Gaunce Syllabus

1st Semester: Tools of Science – Plants – Animals
2nd Semester: Human Body

Scientific measurements -Tools of Science - Scientific Method• Science Standards: 1 - 2.2 - 2.3 - 5 – 6

• Topics: Scientific process for an experiment, metric system review
• In Class Activities: Popper and balloon experiment, Metric Olympics stations
• Labs: Microscope
• Home Projects: Plant experiment

Vascular and nonvascular plants Science Standards: 1 - 3.1

• Topics: Parts and function, photosynthesis, symbiotic relationship with plants, germination, pollination, and products from plants
• In Class Activities: Weed debate, computer interactive rain forest project, outdoor observations, group presentations
• Labs: Irish moss lab
• Home Projects: Label of products containing algae extracts

Classification Science Standards: 1 - 3.1

• Topics: Classification, Taxonomy, Kingdom-species, autotroph, heterotroph
• In Class Activities: Shoe classification, object classification and dichotomous key

Relationships in an ecosystem Science Standards: 3.1 - 3.2 - 6

• Topics: Mans effect on animal environment, balance of nature and adaptation. Predator/prey relationship, food chain and web, habitat, characteristics of living things
• In Class Activities: Design a habitat,
• Labs: Owl pellet dissection, Debate on coyote control,
• Home Projects:

Invertebrates Science Standards: 1 - 3.1 - 3.3

• Topics: Arthropods, Arachnids, Biological control vs. pesticides, camouflage, exoskeleton, metamorphosis
• In Class Activities: Insect collection and classification, specimen identification
• Labs: Frog dissection

Vertebrates Science Standards: 1 - 3.1 - 3.3 - 3.4

• Topics: Classification, migration, nesting, cartilage, chordates, endoskeleton, hibernation, canine, carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, primate, mammal, incubate, marsupial
• In Class Activities: Bird presentations, mammal report

Science standards covered 2nd semester: 1,3,5, & 6

Skeletal and Muscular System

• Topics: Identify Bones and main muscles, First Aid and fractures, function of bones and muscles, health issues
• In Class Activities: Variety of stations, Review of X-rays

Digestive System and Nutrition

• Topics: Structure and function of digestive system, health concerns, nutrition and self-evaluation of diet, health issues.
• In Class Activities: Food labels evaluation, Fast food evaluation, presentations
• Home Projects: Ultimate Snack development

Circulatory System

• Topics: Structure and function of heart, path of circulatory system, physical fitness and the heart, health issues
• In Class Activities: Stethoscopes, exercise and heart rate,
• Labs: Blood typing Forensics, Heart Dissection

5 Senses

• Topics: Ears, Eyes, Skin (Acne, proper care), Smell and Taste
• In Class Activities: sign language presentations, reading in Braille, decibels of sound, optical illusions, and health issues
• Labs: Hearing Loss, eye dissection

Respiratory and Excretory System

• Topics: Structure and Function, health issues
• In Class Activities: What is in inhaled/exhaled air, symbiotic relationship
• Labs: Kidney, Carbon dioxide, lung capacity, fingerprint

Nervous and Endocrine System

• Topics: Structure and function of brain, health issues
• In Class Activities: Gland research and presentations
• Labs: Guest Speaker from Memorial Brain Trauma Center

Reproduction and Genetics

• Topics: Structure and function of reproductive system, puberty, embryo development, DNA, genetic traits, and chromosomes.

• In Class Activities: Question box, twin studies, chromosome simulation and slide show, punnett squares and probability, 7th grade genetic survey, debate on genetic engineering/cloning
• Home Projects: Genetic family tree

Diseases

• Topics: Language Arts / Science Integration of research and report Student oral presentations in science
• In Class Activities: Research and presentations

Cells and Mitosis

• Topics: Structure and function of cells
• Labs: Plant and animal cell lab
• Home Projects: 3-D cell model